Revd Alistair Helm

I was born and lived for most of my life in City of Leicester (except for three years studying physics at the University of Aston in Birmingham) coming up to the Yorkshire Dales in 2009 as Associate Priest living in Giggleswick Vicarage, and serving the three local churches of Giggleswick, Settle and Rathmell with Wigglesworth.

After University I joined the Leicestershire Constabulary spending the next 30 years of my life in that very challenging but rewarding environment. I enjoyed a variety of posts mainly in the CID retiring in 2008 as a Detective Chief Superintendent.

I was ordained 1991 combining my ministry with paid employment serving churches around the City of Leicester.

I was also involved in wider Diocesan responsibilities including work on Deanery and Diocesan Synods and the creation and leadership of local ecumenical partnerships. I was very involved with the research, implementation of a new style of ministry and was the inaugural convenor of a newly formed mission partnership. As part of the Buildings for Mission Team we reviewed the fitness for 21st century mission of our church buildings. I also undertook the role of non-Stipendiary Minister officer.

My interests include a keen attachment to cricket and football, including retaining my Leicester City season ticket! My wife Kate, a retired teacher, and I enjoy gardening and walking. Our children Jenni and Ian are both working in education. Jenni is a Science Teacher, Ian is a Senior Researcher for a company who develop and implement academic testing regimes.

It was in 2012 that I moved to Saint Paul’s Church Manningham.

I’m having a great time!

My hopes for Saint Paul’s Church are that we become a church fully engaged with the community.

What do I mean by that? I hope that we will become a church…

that is locally representative and invests in building good relationships with key activists from different backgrounds and is both outgoing and inclusive in its dealings with others.

where there is genuine concern about local issues reflected through active listening, outwardly focussed prayer, relevant initiatives and a hospitable welcome for all.

that seeks both to be and to share the good news of the Gospel, recognising the hope that God has placed at the centre of every moment and seeking through outreach a response to this in individual people’s lives.

that poses long term commitment to community transformation and invest generously to that end – including time skills and buildings.

where members are encouraged and equipped to engage with community needs and their leaders contribute within wider social structures.

that is unafraid to challenge where necessary

where the people are known to be genuine in their care, humble enough to both work with and learn from others, and as those who make the effort to really listen and understand.